The New World mural 1513 

The New World Mural 1513

The Mural

 Introduction / Main Hall Presentation

The New World Mural 1513 stands in the Grand Hall — the Ballroom of Miami’s historic Freedom Tower, the heart of the building’s architecture and symbolism. This monumental mural, measuring approximately 44 feet wide by 25 feet high, was commissioned in 1987 by architect Richard Heisenbottle during the tower’s restoration. Painted and completed in 1988 by The Miami Artisans, it represents the rebirth of the lost 1925 mural that once adorned The Miami Daily News Tower.

The new mural was led by Wade Foy, John Conroy, and William Mark Coulthard, with contributions from Phylis Shaw and Gerome Villa Bergsen, and Ana Bikic, bringing harmony, light, and atmosphere to the work.

At the mural’s center stands the Mirror of Reflection, symbolizing the historic moment when Juan Ponce de León, the first European explorer, made contact with the New World. Ponce de León holds great historical importance not only for being the first to set foot in North America, Florida but also for naming both the State of Florida and Biscayne Bay.

The mural carries a hand-painted poem by Edwin Markham (1852 – 1940), Poet Laureate of America, renowned for his dedication poem for the Lincoln Memorial Address. Born in Oregon City, California, and passing in New York, Markham wrote of dignity, freedom, and perseverance,  themes that echo perfectly within this space.

The mural depicts a vast traveler’s map that combines allegory and history. Rolling waves, galleons, mermaids, and symbols of exploration surround Ponce de León, who stands beside two Tequesta chiefs, representing the original Miami people and the first meeting of cultures.

Over the decades, this Grand Hall has served as a setting for state events, political gatherings, cultural celebrations, and federal ceremonies. Figures such as Celia Cruz, Michelle Obama, and members of the Spanish royal family,  including the Prince of Spain in 2014 — have all stood before this mural, unaware at times that they were facing one of Miami’s greatest artistic tributes to freedom and discovery.

The New World Mural 1513 continues to serve not only as an artwork but as a mirror of history, reflecting the ideals that shaped both Miami and Florida itself,  discovery, dialogue, and freedom of expression.

→ Read the Complete Story of the Freedom Tower Mural

Freedom Tower Miami Mural 1988 Bronze Wall Plaque            

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